By Drew Johnson

Monday, Jul 16th, 2012 @ 4:46 pm

It appears as though Lexus' long-rumored IS F Convertible will finally come to fruition. First rumored over three years ago, our spy photographers have just sent us the first-ever pictures of Lexus' upcoming hot rod drop top.

Although largely based on the softly-sprung IS C, the IS F Convertible will receive plenty of go-fast parts from the IS F Sedan in order to ensure the car is up to the task of rivaling the BMW M3 convertible. As clear evidence of those sporting pretensions, this particular IS F was caught just before shakedown testing on Germany's Nürburgring.

In comparison to the IS C, the IS F will receive a unique front bumper with extra air inlets. The rear bumper design isn't quite production-spec at this point, but the IS F sedan's quad-tailpipe setup is clearly visible. It remains unknown if this prototype's outrageous rear wing will make production.

Like the IS F Sedan, the IS F Convertible will receive its power from Lexus' 416 horsepower 5.0L V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission will send power to the convertible's rear wheels.

No word on when the Lexus IS F Convertible will make production, but our money is on a 2013 market launch.